macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 update will “upgrade” your M5’s CPU to new “super” cores

In a recent wave of updates from Apple, the tech giant unveiled its latest M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, bringing significant changes to its CPU architecture. The most notable shift is the rebranding of what were traditionally referred to as 'performance' cores, now dubbed 'super' cores. Meanwhile, the 'efficiency' cores retain their original name, but a new category has emerged: the 'performance' cores, positioned between the efficiency and super cores. This transition in naming conventions was revealed during Apple's announcements and is not limited to the new chips. The macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 update, rolled out just yesterday, officially applies this new terminology to the existing M5's performance cores. Users can now see these updated labels in the System Information app and the Activity Monitor on their devices. However, it’s essential to note that this change is purely cosmetic. The update does not alter the actual performance or functionality of the M5 MacBook Pro, which is the only M5 variant affected by this renaming. New MacBook Airs and Pros equipped with the M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max processors will ship with the updated terminology right out of the box, ensuring clarity for new users.